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Project objective

Make a two quadrant (2Q) power module with DIB v1.0 interface that can be used with EEZ BB3 chassis. Existing DCP405 module has sinking capability that is used for down-programmer that has limited sinking capacity and its current is not programmable. Hence a new module is required. There are several possible approaches depending on where and how it will be used. I'll list some options here:

• Model 1: "Dissipative" low voltage (max. 20 V), low sinking current capability (<1 A)

  That should be sufficient for testing battery powered devices. Sourcing current could be much higher (up to 5 A) for simulation of battery charging, but for discharging mentioned 1 A should be sufficient for most of scenarios. Current measurement (bidirectional) has to be in 2 ranges (or more?). Since max. possible sinking power is fairly low (20 W) all of that could be dissipated on-board (with assistance of heatsink and main BB3 fan). Power input is 48 Vdc.

• Model 2: "Dissipative" medium voltage (max. 40-50 V), medium sinking current capability (max. 4-5 A)

  Similar to above model, but since sinking power could be considerable (up to e.g. 200 W), the module should comes with connectors for external power resistor. It's not an elegant solution, but it is cost efficient. Some people have suggested using a battery or supercap to store power from the DUT, but this has multiple problems. The first is that their capacity is limited, and so is its use. The battery solution has the added safety issue of transportation.

• Model 3: Bidirectional medium voltage (max. 40-50 V), medium sinking current capability (max. 4-5 A)

  This is the real deal, since it returns power from DUT back into the grid. This is also a much more complex concept because it requires a bidirectional AC / DC converter and a DC / DC converter. However, if designed well, this concept could scale (higher output voltages as well as power).

• Model 4: Bidirectional high voltage (150 V and more), medium sinking current capability (max. 4-5 A)

  Based on the above mentioned concept, it would provide more testing capabilities for LEDs and PV cells.